COG7 – Church of God Seventh Day – has been renting the site of the former Regents Theological College as a training and conference centre for the past three years.

But landlords, Elim Churches, have now taken back the London Road building with immediate effect.

They say that a number of “symptoms” led them to make the move and that they felt it was “necessary” to resume their position in charge of the premises.

A notice issued by the High Sheriff’s Office in Croydon stating that there has been a forfeiture of lease has been pinned to the main entrance of the building.

It states that “any attempt” by COG7 to enter the premises will result in criminal or civil proceedings.

One of the “symptoms” alluded to in the action is believed to be the closure of the Woodlands Nursery in March following problems with its registration.

The general administrator for Elim Churches, Bruce Hunter, said: “A number of circumstances meant that we felt we could no longer continue with COG7 being at the site.

“Unless COG7 can make an offer to purchase the entire premises, which is highly unlikely, they will not be returning to the site. There are various businesses on the site and we’re in discussions with them.”

The Regents Theological College – previously known as the Elim Bible College – relocated to a bigger campus in West Malvern in 2009. But Elim Churches stills owns the building.